What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms may appear 1 to 4 days after being exposed to the virus. The most common symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Cases of the flu range from mild to severe. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. Visit the CDC website for more information about symptoms.